Guilt

2024 | Beirut

Guilt is a poetic, intuitive, experimental, & non fictional short form series composed of 9 self portraits exploring the individual guilt of each of the 9 audiovisual artists, creators of their respective episode.

In a world drowning with guilt, this series explores nine lives weighed down by past and present burdens. “Guilt” is a series that delves into the complex nature of this intense emotion.

Each artist confronts their personal remorse, exploring their inner turmoil and quest for redemption through audiovisual art. Each of the nine films dives into the depths of remorse, grief, anger and despair revealing hidden truths and the heavy burden of unspoken sins.

Guilt Trailer

BTS Reels

Artists & Episodes

Hadeel Al Kadasi

Bio

Hadeel Al Kadasi Bio

Hadeel Al-Kadasi is a 21-year-old human rights filmmaker from Yemen, active in the Yemeni Instagram artists circle and photography and filmmaking forums. Her photo collection, “Sitarh,” addressing women’s equal opportunity, features contributions from over 60 Yemeni women and will be showcased in ‘Al Zine’ magazine and selected London venues.She created the documentary “One Goal to Peace,” about the Yemeni youth football team’s journey to the Asia finals, in collaboration with Barbara Harrison Media and UNITAR. Hadeel also participated in a photography workshop in Beirut focused on ‘home’ and ‘alienation,’ developing her concept of ‘home’ through street life photography. In a workshop on digital transformation in culture, she presented a social media marketing strategy and a plan to raise awareness about Yemen’s issues through photography. She joined a Digital Peacebuilding workshop with the British Council and a female NGO, leading to her project “To Be Heard,” focusing on women’s rights and reedom of expression and gaining valuable skills in digital storytelling and advocacy. Her collection of women’s portraits was featured in “Art Her Way,” an art gallery celebrating International Women’s Day, highlighting the perspectives of 75 local and international artists.

Testimonial

Hadeel Al Kadasi Testimonial

Participating in the intuitive film lab exploring the theme of guilt has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for me. It allowed me to delve into complex emotions and narratives that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through this journey, I’ve learned to confront and express feelings of guilt in ways I never thought possible. The guidance and support from the team were invaluable in shaping my storytelling and intuitive skills, enabling me to create a film that authentically captures the essence of this emotion. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this enriching experience that has not only expanded my filmmaking capabilities but also provided a cathartic outlet for my own reflections and growth. I love you Muriel.

Guilt #1 – Hadeel Al-Kadasi

Jawad Jabado

Bio

Jawad Jabado Bio

Jawad Jabado is a Lebanese emerging Filmmaker. His journey, in art as in life, is a never ending process of evolution that has been marked by a continuous exploration of visionary modes of storytelling, drawing him into the realm of experimental arts. He takes on the responsibility of guiding the creative vision driven by a passionate desire to craft authentic and personal narratives to translate them into mesmerizing visuals. He is currently finishing a diploma in filmmaking and a bachelor’s degree in Radio & Tv.

Testimonial

Jawad Jabado Testimonial

The Intuitive Film Lab is a spiritual phenomenon. It’s like a dream within a dream. If you asked me how the process went from start to finish, I would simply tell you that I don’t know. The thing that I know the most is that I was completely authentic in the process, and I had nothing to lose, I just went all the way. To the deepest part of it. Here we have a pure, authentic audio-visual expression of personal guilt. I consider that The Intuitive Film Lab created a tiny root for finding the Lebanese cinematic language, which is authentic and not imitated. Since it reflects us and represents who we are, if you watch the image; you’ll feel something, if you listen to the sound; you’ll feel a different thing, and the magic starts as they meet.

Guilt #2 – Jawad Jabado

Chloe Khoury

Bio

Chloe Khoury Bio

Chloe Khoury, is a Lebanese self-taught videographer and photographer currently freelancing in Lebanon. She embarked on her creative journey from her youngest age, which later evolved into a profound focus on photography. Returning to Lebanon in 2019 after 15 years in France, Chloe discovered her passion for capturing stories through her lens. Holding an MA in Marketing and Sustainable Development, Chloe worked for over 5 years in communications with international organizations, emphasizing humanitarian and developmental projects. Today, she continues her work in this field using her camera as a tool for change. Her work is driven by a desire to spotlight untold narratives and empower underrepresented voices and personal struggles.

In October 2021, Chloe attended the London Film Academy Documentary filmmaking certificate where she directed her short documentary “The Leaving Game.”

In July 2022, she attended a photography masterclass at CAMERA Torino in partnership with the ICP, earning recognition for her project, “More than my Hair”. In June 2023, her movie “Réflection d’un Ho(m)me” was selected and screened at the Cabriolet Film Festival in Beirut. In August 2023, Chloe’s photographs were featured at the Beirut Art District’s “Through The Lens of Rising Photographers” exhibition. In February 2024, her photographs were exhibited at the Beirut Art District’s “Winter Photo Fair” exhibition.

Testimonial

Chloe Khoury Testimonial

The intuitive film lab is a unique experience and I would encourage everyone I know and love to apply. It’s definitely not easy but this is what makes it this special. “Go and film with your guts”, this is what Muriel told us. “Go and film with your guts… So what you’re saying is that I have to trust and believe in myself? How else would that work…?’ Oh but it works magic. Our only responsibility throughout the film lab and creative process was to be true and honest with ourselves.I remember the first days I started filming, camera in hand, I was roaming around wondering what I was doing in this program, and then it happened. I started seeing differently: perspectives, colours, shapes, forms, people. I started seeing life the way I wanted to. The film lab taught me so much. On the creative side, it taught me to let go, it taught me that as long as I’m creating, I’m in the “right”, doing what makes my soul happy. It doesn’t matter what you were taught at school, all that matters is to have the courage to put yourself other and do your own art. And as Muriel says, there is no competition, each one of us is unique. It’s true, all 9 of us enrolled in the program are unique, and we rose together. We started as strangers and now we are family. We shared tears, smiles, laughters, quarrels, fatigue, frustration, all strong emotions that brought us all closer together. Filming can feel lonely sometimes but I know now that I have a support system and in turn, they have me. Muriel helped make all of this happen. She called us her children, rightfully so. We are her children of life. Tough but fair, you will want to strangle her at some point because she will push you to be the best you can be. She will teach you to stay true to yourself, she will guide you, adapting to everyone. What a responsibility. Dealing with 9 people, 9 artists, 9 personalities and so many emotions; and yet, she navigates to perfect with each one of us. We use the word “conductor” for Muriel but she’s much more than that, she’s a guide, she’s a light. She is an empath, dedicating her life to empower people through art. More people should be like her. This experience is only the beginning, the beginning of a beautiful journey of creativity. Thank you. Thank you Muriel, Denise, Adham, Tia, Rayan, Hadeel, Jawad, Maria, Kareem, Robert, Tarek, Lea and Sarah, and all the ones who participated in the creative process.

Guilt #3 – Chloe Khoury

Maria Ghafary

Bio

Maria Ghafary Bio

Maria Ghafary is a Lebanese filmmaker who graduated from Notre Dame University Louaize in 2017 with a degree in film studies. Throughout her career, she has primarily served as a director and producer, overseeing a diverse range of projects including short films, advertisements, music videos, and documentaries. Maria perceives film as a powerful medium for connecting with reality, striving to explore the depths of the human experience in both body and soul. Her work is characterized by a profound exploration of human complexity and beauty, reflecting her deep curiosity about the intricacies of human existence through her artistic lens.

Testimonial

Maria Ghafary Testimonial

Imagine a place where you are free to feel, express, and create. That’s the FilmLab. It’s a sanctuary for creators to embrace their authentic selves and channel their truest forms into an audiovisual masterpiece that is uniquely theirs. Led by Muriel, one of the most genuine and authentic humans and artists I’ve ever encountered, the FilmLab could only be as exceptional as it is because of her. Her profound way of perceiving and feeling the world deeply influenced all of us to be our truest selves. Her unwavering commitment to pushing us to deliver our best with honesty shattered my limits. For me, it was a transformative journey. Sharing a piece of myself with fellow humans and artists was profoundly intimate—it allowed me to connect deeply. In their eyes, I found acceptance instead of judgment, a fundamental principle instilled by the FilmLab that allowed me to express myself freely and authentically. Creatively, I learned to observe life through my lens without preconceived notions. I discovered how to listen to both inner and outer sounds and translate them into artistic expressions. Moreover, I learned introspection, uncovering what makes me unique as an artist and finding purpose in my work. The FilmLab has opened a new chapter in my journey. It was a beautiful experience that enabled me to unearth landscapes within myself—both as a creator and as a human—that were waiting to be shared with the world. This life-changing experience continues to reveal its impact on me, and I am eager to discover all the ways it has transformed me.

Guilt #4 – Maria Ghafary

Kareem Nofal

Bio

Kareem Nofal Bio

Kareem Nofal is a Syrian filmmaker based in Beirut. He received a scholarship opportunity in 2016 from MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative) to obtain his B.A. in TV and Film from the Lebanese American University.

Kareem has worked as a Writer and eSports advisor, as well as a creative producer with Cinemoz, as well as a cinematographer with Zeid Hamdan and Lynn Adib on their musical duo Bedouin Burger. His contribution to documentary film include Neighborhood of Creatures (2022), A Workshop and 5 Tales (2019) directed by Sabine El Chamaa, starring Nidal Al Achkar and as aneditor on “Bid Me Farewell” (2021).

Currently, Kareem works as a Communication Specialist with the Anti-Racism Movement (ARM).

Testimonial

Kareem Nofal Testimonial

My experience in the intuitive film lab was a breathtaking journey in creative liberations. I feel like my self-made shackles in practicing art have been broken beyond imagination. I’m now a much more confident filmmaker because I’ve truly gotten in touch with the poet within. I no longer feel the urge to overthink my art, I know exactly what to do and how to do, simply because I know I’ve done it before.

Guilt #5 – Kareem Nofal

Robert Minassian

Bio

Robert Minassian Bio

Robert Minassian, a Lebanese filmmaker of Armenian origins, is a practitioner in the realm of visual storytelling. Recognized for his work as a Production Designer on various Lebanese projects, including short films, music videos, and commercial advertisements, he incorporates diverse cultural influences into his creative endeavors. Embracing a multifaceted approach to storytelling, he has also ventured into the world of play performances, where he integrates set design to craft visually immersive experiences. Through a poetic lens, his films address themes of healing and transformation, inviting audiences to engage with reality from a unique perspective. No matter the medium, his art has always been linked to nature and moments in our everyday life.

Testimonial

Robert Minassian Testimonial

Participating in the Intuitive Filmlab was a transformative experience for me. The whole process from day 1 felt like magic. The intuitive creative process was intense and rewarding, particularly given the theme of guilt. The filmlab taught me to be truthful to my emotions and to express them authentically using audiovisual language. I learned that creating visuals alone forms one world, and sound creates another, and when combined, they paint a universe. It opened my senses to the power and depth of audiovisual arts. Muriel, the conductor of the filmlab, was a guiding light throughout this experience. Her faith in the intuitive process and in us as artists deepened my confidence in myself and in the film I was creating. Muriel pushed me to express myself truthfully and to delve deeper into my emotions, which was both challenging and liberating. This experience has definitely changed my views on audiovisual arts. It has shown me the importance of being genuine and vulnerable in my artistic expressions. I will carry this experience into my own art, striving to create work that is not only visually and sonically compelling but also emotionally honest. I would wholeheartedly advise other filmmakers to join this filmlab. It felt like a daydream where time flew by, and before I knew it, the film had come to life. I was so immersed in the process that it not only introduced me to a new approach to creating art but also allowed me to discover more about myself. This journey was magical, and I believe it has the potential to inspire and transform any artist who participates.

Guilt #6 – Robert Minassian

Mohamad Tarek Majzoub

Bio

Mohamad Tarek Majzoub Bio

Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Tripoli, Lebanon, Mohamad Tarek Majzoub attended McGill University, earning a degree in Physics and Physiology. He later pursued a career in Film and Theater, graduating from the Lebanese American University (LAU) in 2021. Tarek’s films explore themes of wandering, self-discovery, and the search for inner and outer truths. Through his work, he aims to understand and reconcile his own emotions and experiences, seeking to find logical meanings in existence and deepen his connection with humanity and religion.

Testimonial

Mohamad Tarek Majzoub Testimonial

I remember during the interview process, Muriel asked me what I wanted to achieve through this Film Lab. I told her that I wanted to be able to express myself audiovisually in a more intuitive way. I wanted to be able to access my emotions and portray them without having to think and struggle too much. Coming out of it, I feel like the fruit of this workshop is so much sweeter: I’ve gotten to know myself better. Self-reconciliation isn’t something I necessarily consciously aimed for going through this, but it is probably one of the things I cherish most looking back. I am very happy and fulfilled that I got to create a short film, as part of a beautiful series, but the self-love and self-confidence that came out of it, through Muriel’s compassion and sometimes incessant drive to pull everyone up to their roaring heights, is what will stay with me. The friendships I made, the nakedness with which we faced each other, in the loving and pure environment that Muriel creates, all allowed me to delve into myself and bring out the best and the worst, and to love both equally. For me, the process itself and the cinematic language which we experimented with was a unique one. I enjoyed learning a new method of audiovisual expression, and I think it will enhance whatever cinematic venture I will find myself in in the future. It broadened my perspective on what films could be, and consequentially, it allows me to approach filmmaking in a much more relaxed and confident way. The Film Lab is a very demanding process, but it was definitely worth all the effort and energy, because whatever I put in, I felt like I got back ten-fold, through all the self-work, the friends, and the wonderful community that I am now proud to be a part of.

Guilt #7 – Mohammed Tarek Majzoub

Lea Skayem

Bio

Lea Skayem Bio

Lea Skayem is from the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, and have a deep love for storytelling, with a special focus on image and lighting. she holds a Master’s degree in Audiovisual Studies from l’Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) and studied Cinematography at l’École Nationale Supérieure Louis-Lumière (ENSLL) in France.

She feels fortunate to have attended workshops at the National Film School of Denmark (Den Danske Filmskole) and l’Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle et des Techniques de Diffusion de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (INSAS), which have greatly influenced her approach to film.
She worked on various projects, including movies, series, and advertisements, always aiming to create compelling visuals. In 2021, her photography was displayed at the Beirut Art Fair, an experience that profoundly impacted her creative journey.

Driven by a passion for visual composition and lighting, she is excited to continue her journey in the film industry. She looks forward to exploring new creative possibilities and collaborating with others who share the same dedication to crafting captivating visual stories.

Testimonial

Lea Skayem Testimonial

Participating in the film lab to create an experimental film on the theme of guilt was a transformative experience that allowed me to delve deeply into the intertwined realms of art and life. This journey into the depths of my own emotions and experiences blurred the boundary between personal reality and artistic expression. Art is a mirror of life, capturing its complexities and subtleties. Through the process of making this film, I revisited and explored the multifaceted nature of guilt—both in the moment and retrospectively. Creating allowed me to relive and scrutinize my feelings, providing a deeper comprehension and insight that would have remained hidden without this artistic engagement. Engaging with film as the chosen medium allowed me to connect my internal experiences with the external world, transforming my reflections on guilt into a visual and auditory narrative. This experimental approach encouraged me to embrace vulnerability and genuineness, uncovering layers of identity and the human condition, and creating an artistic piece that resonates with the universal experience of this complex emotion. Sharing this experience with eight other artists made the process even more unique, challenging, and exciting. Witnessing their individual approaches and contributions enriched the overall project, offering diverse perspectives on the theme of guilt. None of this would have been possible without Muriele, the creator, who was our guiding light throughout the project. Her vision and leadership brought us together and made this profound artistic and personal exploration a reality. In conclusion, this film lab was not merely an exercise in filmmaking but a profound artistic journey. It merged life and art into a cohesive and meaningful whole. Through this process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of art to reflect, understand, and communicate the intricate tapestry of our lives.

Guilt #8 – Lea Skayem

Sarah Claux

Bio

Sarah Claux Bio

Sarah Claux is a director, producer and yogi born in France with Italian and Spanish roots, the Mediterranean runs through her veins. At the age of 21, she left home to live in Bolivia. Since then she has lived abroad, camera in hand. In 2016, she discovered Lebanon, she started in 2017 the collective Niksa production in Lebanon, the country that adopted her. Almost deaf as a child, she grew up with the feeling of being on the other side of the screen. She made it her job, her way of life. Through her projects she transcribes the deep language of being, not only which is seen, but heard and above all felt.

Testimonial

Sarah Claux Testimonial

Je voulais commencer par te remercier de l’opportunité de participer à l’experience du Filmlab. Une main tendue au moment opportun, comme quoi, la vie est bien faite. Suite à certaines expériences professionnelles quelques peu difficiles, j’avais perdu confiance en moi. Je me demandais je devais continuer sur cette voie. Et bien grâce à toi, j’ai une réponse à ma question. Je suis prête à continuer de plus belle. Rien, ni personne n’est parfait, ni moi, ni les autres et il faut apprendre à tirer partie du meilleur de chaque chose et de chacun. J’ai laissé libre cours au language de mes émotions et laissé paraitre mes imperfections : résultat, une confiance en moi qui a repris du poil de la bête et ça se ressent dans mon travail. Tu as ce don rare de savoir “guider d’une main de fer dans un gant de velour” comme dirait ma mère, un professionnalisme mêlé de bienveillance maternelle, tu as la clef pour réussir à nous souffler les secrets qui ouvrent toutes les portes que l’on se ferme de par le carcan que la société nous impose. Pour cela, et pour tout le reste, tout simplement merci. En espérant pouvoir continuer d’apprendre et de collaborer à tes cotés.

Adeeb Farhat Testimonial

I am lucky to have been part of the film lab as a participant artist 2 years ago and as postproduction supervisor for the previous and current film lab batches. I choose to keep walking this journey along side Muriel Aboulrouss, Denise Jabbour and the wonderful team who creates this initiative because I truly believe in its importance for artists in a country such as Lebanon to express themselves freely and intuitively. I believe that its a space for them to get in touch with the artist and human inside them away from all the stress we live in. I also support the Intuitive film lab and chose to be part of this family because i have met wonderful people in this journey. We shared emotions, love, experience and friendships.